Rafferty Rainbow Connection

A little wiggle this way, a gentle pull that way, just like losing a tooth. We have all experienced this feeling. There were a couple toenails that were already damaged due to my previous life before the trail  (bouldering and exploring a quick stint with salsa dancing). Well, with a hiking  push, today was the day my tiny little nail decided to separate ways from my toe.

I believe this is what the trail is about…well among many other things that is, the acceptance of separation, while welcoming flexibility and change. The ideas I had before entering this world, because man oh man, this sure is another world, have developed into completely different ideas. Due to multiple reason, such as the purchase of new boots (1.5 sizes larger then my first pair) and recovering from some minor ankle pain, I have been guided towards a different outlook in regards to mileage per day. My wonderful friend Missing Link and a fantastic gentleman who goes by the name of Shoeru (seriously talented with feet!!) both strongly encouraged me to slow down. Katahdin isn’t going anywhere and if I want to have the opportunity to thru hike and finish by summiting Katahdin, then I better start listening to my body and slow down. I have cut my mileage per days down considerably, from 12-15 miles to 5-9 miles per day. 

Overall, my feet feel pretty okay, minus being tired and sore. I have developed a small blister on the back of both heels, but I have tended to these and shown as much love towards my feet as possible. I also have some pain/discomfort under my knee bone (possibly an alignment issue?) , which has also been shown kindness and rest during the past day and a half. Overall, mentally, I’m feeling great. Physically, I’m listening, loving, and thanking  my body each and every day!

A beautiful part of the trail has been the journey from hearing my body towar becoming acutely aware of every part of this body. Listening and responding to my sensations and feelings… my new tool. 

Ahhhh…I hope to find vocabulary to help express the lessons I ‘m learning and feelings I’m experiencing here on the trail. One amazing part has been the transformation of seasons. Watching life grown and thrive all around has been something that amazes me and each and every day. One aspect of the trail that has been overlooked one too many times, has been the hiking family and community I have become a part of. There are a handful of people who I have grown very close to.

Have there every been times were you meet a human for the first time and instantly feel connected? The unexplainable feeling of knowing someone so well, but technically only have met them a few hours ago? Although this has been rare in my life ( shoutout to the loved ones back home who are so super connected to me, I love you all) the trail somehow brings this out. Meeting individuals from many areas of the world and different personalities and beliefs. Yet, here I am. So grateful to have such a beautiful, kind, and supportive group of people experiencing and living with me. 

I sure do love the trail. 

A wonderful friend back in New England shared an important piece of information with me before leaving. Directly related to the trail…he told me of a friend who had hiked miles of the AT in hopes of hiking to Maine. This man became quickly discouraged by the little and lack of respect towards Leave No Trace. He left the trail much earlier than expected, due to the constant removal of trash from trail. This friend let me know this, because he puts me in the category of a person who would also fall into this path. Well….he was right. I thank him everyday for sharing this awareness with me. My removal of trash from trail per day is capped out at 5 pieces max. I hold my tongue when I see choices being made or reprocutions of already decided on choices and I walk away. 

So much to say, yet so little time. I’m wwuickly learning that an experience like this is one that can’t be fully shared within pages in a blog. 

Thanks for reading and spending time to support this beautiful life I’m choosing to live. There will be more to come. 

For now, heading into the smoky national park tomorrow. Thinking healthy, positive, and happy thoughts. 

Away I go. 

PS I am hungry ALL the time. I sure do lOvE food!!!

Continue to pursue a life that leads you to happiness and love. 

Much love ~ Chia Pet